Although Thanksgiving is not a holiday Italians in Italy traditionally celebrate, there are many wonderful Italian dishes that fit perfectly into a Thanksgiving menu in America. Italian Americans embrace Thanksgiving wholeheartedly as a celebration of harvest – to spend time with loved one’s, friends and family, while sharing all there is to be thankful for over good food and drink. After all, the Italian lifestyle does consist of just that!
In America, Italians add their own special touch to this American holiday celebration, often by including their own family favorites such as a special pasta dish or soup to the holiday feast. Fall is a wonderful food time in Italy, and many of the wonderful flavors of the season can be had during your Thanksgiving feast in America too, giving it that Italian touch.
While some of these food delights are already common at Thanksgiving since they come to mind naturally during the autumn season – they are favorites in Italy during this time of year too.
Some thoughts to add to your Thanksgiving menu might be: Pumpkin ravioli, porcini mushroom risotto, butternut squash soup, stuffed mushrooms, or stuffed artichokes. Consider adding chopped chestnuts and pancetta to your stuffing. Rosemary is a well used herb by Italians to put inside the turkey or flavor other dishes.
Adding Italian flair to your Thanksgiving meal could be as simple as serving an antipasti, or adding to the table a bowl of cured seasoned olives, roasted chestnuts, or figs. And consider serving a Vin Santo with desert, such as Ruffino’s Serelle Vin Santo del Chianti.
So while Thanksgiving is an American tradition, celebrating it comes so naturally for Italians even in Italy – as some of the meaning and celebration of it embodies the Italian lifestyle in Italy so well.
Reflect upon and be thankful for what you are fortunate enough to have – while enjoying great food, fine wine, with good company… celebrated. Salute!
Happy Thanksgiving !
~ Richard J. Michelli – Founder, Italia Living
